A lion sleeping in Ishasha Sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

© Gunter Nuyts/Getty Image

Lion, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

In Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, some lions take napping to new heights—quite literally. The tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector have a habit of sprawling across the branches of giant fig trees, as seen in today's image. Experts believe they climb to escape ground-level heat or pesky insects, but these naps make for an unforgettable sight. This vast park spans volcanic craters, open plains and dense forests. A safari here promises encounters with Uganda's incredible wildlife. Lions, hold a special place in human history, frequently appearing in sculptures, paintings, national flags, literature and films. The Asiatic lion used to roam large areas from Saudi Arabia and eastern Turkey to Iran, Mesopotamia and across the Indian subcontinent, stretching from the Indus River to Bengal and Central India's Narmada River. However, since the early 20th century, its habitat has been confined to Gujarat's Gir National Park and surrounding areas.